The ACT Government's Next Generation Energy Storage (Next Gen) program will draw to a close, having reached its target of 5,000 batteries in Canberra homes and businesses.
Launched in 2016, the Next Gen program was designed to ignite the ACT's battery marketplace and improve access for Canberrans to install a battery. Over the past seven years, the program has provided 5,000 rebates, reaching the target set out from its inception.
"The ACT Government is proud to have supported over 5,000 homes and businesses to install a battery," Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said.
"The Next Gen program was launched at a time when energy storage technology was still in its infancy, so the goal of the program was to stimulate a marketplace where Canberrans could access batteries more easily and more affordably.
"The program has been an overwhelming success, with our local industry growing from four to over 24 battery installers operating in the ACT, and with the ACT now having one of the highest domestic battery densities not only in Australia but in the world. I am proud that Canberra is the climate action capital and home to a thriving and competitive renewable energy sector.
"Now that we have reached our target, the Next Gen program will no longer accept new rebate applications. All currently approved applications in the Next Gen Program will need to have batteries installed by 31 March 2023 to access the rebate. The ACT Government will continue to work with battery installers on any outstanding installations to ensure an appropriate transition following this date."
Households can continue to access ACT Government support through the world-leading Sustainable Household Scheme, allowing homeowners to access zero-interest loans to make sustainable upgrades to their homes, and businesses can access tailored advice and rebates through the Business Energy and Water program.
"We encourage people to continue to shop around for energy storage solutions for their homes. With the number of installers now operating in the ACT, Canberrans will be able to continue to access the most competitive prices," Minister Rattenbury said.
"Increasing energy storage remains a key priority to maintain a stable and reliable electricity system as we continue to electrify our city. To achieve this goal, in addition to encouraging household batteries, we are also investing in the Big Canberra Battery project which will add an ecosystem of energy storage solutions of different sizes to the ACT's electricity grid, from large-scale batteries to neighbourhood-scale batteries to help power Canberra homes and businesses."
